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Geriatric dermatology Part I. Geriatric pharmacology for the dermatologist JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF DERMATOLOGY Endo, J. O., Wong, J. W., Norman, R. A., Chang, A. L. 2013; 68 (4)

Abstract

Issues related to prescribing dermatologic drugs in the elderly are less recognized than age-related skin findings. This is related in part to the lack of a standardized residency training curriculum in geriatric dermatology. As the number of elderly patients rises in the United States, drug-related iatrogenic complications will become increasingly important. This review discusses age-related changes in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of common dermatologic drugs. These changes include volume of distribution, renal function, liver toxicity from interactions of commonly prescribed drugs, and medications that can decompensate cognition in the older patient population. We outline seven prescribing principles related to older dermatology patients, including useful strategies to reduce polypharmacy and improve drug adherence, using an evidence-based approach whenever possible.

View details for DOI 10.1016/j.jaad.2012.10.063

View details for Web of Science ID 000317201100010

View details for PubMedID 23522421